The impetus for the creation of a BMW superbike apparently came from Bob Lutz, BMW American-born sales director, reputedly also responsible for the toaster-tank /5 of 1972. Toaster styling (at launch) may have received a lukewarm reception, but the R90S was an immediate success, despite its considerable $3,430 price tag. Underneath the R90S was an almost stock R90/6, but stylist Hans A, Muth created one of the most spectacular looking BMW motorcycles ever. In every respect the R90S was an aesthetic triumph.

The motor gave you a pair of big 90mm bore pistons with a (short) stroke of 70.6mm which offered 75hp at 7200 rpm all from 898cc. Its 9.5:1 compression ratio made it both crisp and efficient. "In a departure from the traditional Bing carburetors, BMW fitted a pair of Italian 38mm Dell'Orto PHM concentrics." Not only did they improve power but they looked impressive in the showroom too. Dual 260mm front discs were matched by ATE floating calipers with single 38mm pistons. The bike can stop! The newly designed fuel tank became a BMW icon and lasted as originally designed for many years. For 1974 the only color was Silver Smoke (code 561) that was hand painted and airbushed, then clear lacquered. Early examples had gold tape instead of hand painted pinstripes. Top speed is quoted at "over 124 mph" and overall wet weight at 474 pounds. A leading competitor in the superbike stakes of the day a reported 1005 examples were shipped to North America in the 1974 model year, a further 5053 to the rest of the world. Total all-year production reached 17,455 units.

This stunning bike with but 9056 miles on the odometer  the original owner rode 8500 of the miles, all in the first five years for he last registered it in 1979  was stored for many years. The seller, only the second owner, restored the bike quite literally down to the last nut and bolt. Every "data point" was checked and brought back to specification by either refurbishment or replacement with a perfect new OEM part. The seller's checklist gives new meaning to the word comprehensive. The bike was displayed at the August 2012 Quail Motorsports Gathering at which it was invited to the Villa D'Este Concours d'Elegance at Lake Como, Italy in 2013. It demands close inspection. The bike is sold with the factory owner's manual, service book, tool pouch, shop towel, and air pump.

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.

Buyers' Obligations

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.

Buyers' Premium and Charges

Buyer's Premium Rates25% on the first $150,000 of the Hammer Price20% from $150,001 to $3,000,000 of the Hammer Price12% on the excess over $3,000,001 of the Hammer Price

Payment Notices

Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, charge or debit card. A processing fee will be assessed on any returned checks. Please note that the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited.

Shipping Notices

For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.